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In Malaysia, although alcohol is banned in the states of Kelantan and Terengganu, the country's population still consumes an extremely high level of alcohol. In 2011, the country was named the tenth-largest consumer of alcohol by the World Health Organization. Even with the high sales tax rate, alcohol is readily consumed and accessible in many cafes, supermarkets and mini markets throughout the country. At the time of publication, Malaysia does not have a minimum legal drinking age.

Sharia Law

According to Malaysia's Sharia Law, all Malaysian Muslims are forbidden from drinking alcohol. It is also illegal to sell liquor to a Muslim. In the past, laws against drinking have been strictly enforced, and the punishments -- which include caning -- for Malaysian Muslims caught drinking is severe and not without controversy. A legal ban has long been a highly fraught issue between the country's conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, which frequently pushes for strict alcohol bans in Muslim-dominated neighborhoods, and the ethnically Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party, which oppose such bans.

Drinking and Driving

The legal limit for alcohol in the bloodstream while driving in Malaysia is 80 milligrams per deciliter, or 100 milliliters. If you're arrested for driving with a blood alcohol level over this legal limit, you'll be charged with a significant fine equal to hundreds of U.S. dollars. You might even be jailed for up to six months, even if it's your first offense. Your driving privileges in the country can also be revoked

Serving Liquor

In order to serve any type of liquor or alcohol in Malaysia, vendors, restaurants and retailers need a license. As retailers do not need a license to sell beer in cans, cafes and other vendors often sell beer and provide bottle openers so customers can drink at the cafe. Although serving beer on the premise without a license is illegal, coffee houses and vendors routinely do this throughout the country.

Illegally Selling Liquor

Section 32(1) and 33(1) of Malaysia's 1976 Excise Act Law requires that all vendors, retailers, shops and restaurants have a license to sell liquor. The license must also state where the sale is being made. However, illicit "moonshine" alcohol, such as "samsu," "tuak" or "toddy," is usually easily accessible, cheap and sold throughout the country.

Rising Health Threat and Advertising

Alcoholism has become a more significant health threat throughout Malaysia, as even government officials have recognized that alcohol consumption is a serious health problem. In the past, WHO has also focused on alcohol problems related to public health in Malaysia. As a result, many nonprofit organizations and NGOs within Malaysia have campaigned against alcohol and tried to push for a more aggressive national alcohol policy. This includes monitoring alcohol and liquor companies' advertisements and promotions. Although direct advertising, such as on billboards or television commercials, related to alcohol is illegal in most of the country, liquor companies have used other tactics, such as sponsored events and aggressive campaigns, to target consumers.